I'm super excited and honored to be included in this fun and educational blog hop for my friend Amy!
Craftsy has this amazing Block of the Month series hosted by none other than Amy Gibson herself! Amy blogs over at Stitchery Dickory Dock and is just all around awesome. I had read her blog for a little while before I was lucky enough to meet and hang out with her at Sewing Summit last October. (What is Sewing Summit, you say? Blasphemy! Click through, read about it, then promptly sign up...you won't regret it!) She is an absolute doll and a total blast! We were quilty kindred spirits from the get go.
I particularly love the blocks she is teaching us this month, as they are slightly intimidating and I've been dying to try them for a while. Below you'll see my very first ever string block!.......and perhaps a giveaway.......WHAT?! Did I say that out loud? Read on...
String block supplies :: a few background pieces and lots of scraps!
Strings and scraps during...
Strings and scraps after!
I'm so happy with how fun and scrappy this block turned out! I'm officially addicted and must make more! And just imagine how it will help cull through your scrap bin!
***drum roll***
And now for the moment you've all been waiting for.............the generous folks over at The Fat Quarter Shop are offering up a $25 gift certificate to their fabulous shop!
To enter, just leave a comment. For fun, tell me your favorite sewing tip. I'll draw a winner on Thursday, March 8.
Be sure to follow along on the rest of the tour and show some stitchy love:
Feb 24 - Miss Print
Feb 25 - Hoosier Toni
Feb 27 - Fresh Lemons
Feb 28 - Qubee Quilts
Feb 29 - Amy's Creative Side
Mar 2 - mon petit lyons
Mar 3 - Mel's Own Place
Mar 5 - Breakfast for Dinner ::::::: you're here!
Mar 7 - Sew Paint Create
Mar 9 - SoChick
Mar 10- Spin the Bobbin
Mar 12- Diary of A Quilter
Mar 14- Ellison Lane
Mar 16- Old Red Barn Co
Another lovely stop on the tour and a new blog to follow! Yay! My sewing tip is a really simple one (learnt from a teacher). If you're patches keep getting caught in your needle plate when you start piecing, start sewing on a scrap of fabric, then chain piece your patches from there. It works a treat with my machine everytime!
ReplyDeleteYou now have a new subscriber to your blog. My best tip, and the one that has worked well for me, is to 'take my time.' I'm always in a rush with everything I do, but with my quilting, I "take my time." It pays off. Thank you for the opportunity to enter in the Craftsy's blog of the month giveaway!
ReplyDeleteAn old woodworkers tip is also applicable to sewing: Measure twice, cut once. Love your string block, makes me want to make a bunch of them!
ReplyDeleteMy tip is quilting in total relax and if possible alone. Thanks for the chance to win!
ReplyDeleteMy tip would be to just go with your instinct. I love your string block. Thanks for participating in the tour.
ReplyDeleteSuch a great block! My tip is to start with a clean work surface. It's so hard to be creative in clutter.
ReplyDeletechances are if you are sewing you are also ripping some seam out once in a while. my favorite tip for using the seam ripper is to cut the thread in the seam you want to remove with your seam ripper on one side of the seam about every half inch or so and then turn your seam over and lift a thread with your seam ripper on a spot where you cut the thread on the other side NOW pull the thread . your mistake should be removed in a jiffy!
ReplyDeletebeautiful string block! I have been following along in spirit with the crafty BOM as in I haven't started on any blocks yet though I hope to soon. Amy is doing a great job!
thank you for a chance to win. I love the fat quarter shop!
Janita
My tip - don't hurry - enjoy the process. :) (fewer mistakes that way - hopefully!)
ReplyDeleteI am absolutely thrilled with Craftsy BOM with Amy Gibson. This is my very first BOM and so far I have kept up and am always ready for the next one. Sewing tip.....mmmm well, I used to sew over pins, but now I understand that's not good, ever since I got a new machine, I try not to do that!
ReplyDeleteMy tip is wind up about 6 bobbins in the color you want to work with before setting of on a new project. That way you have less interruptions and it makes the chaining swifter.
ReplyDeleteNice condition to enter. I can't wait to read more tips.
I am fairly new to quilting and my favorite tip so far is using a scant 1/4" seam. This helps prevent the heartache of a beautiful pieced block that is just a little too small.
ReplyDeleteMy biggest tip is to read the entire instructions before you even make the first stitch. Doing so will help greatly in not having to go back and rip stitches out.
ReplyDeleteI love your strings and scraps block! How fun :) I signed up for the BOM in January but haven't started yet. Since I'm new to sewing I don't really know many tips to share; however, I do like the tip to sew scant 1/4" seams (from Amy's post "5 Steps to More Accurate Piecing").
ReplyDeleteI love your blog and the photo at the top is beautiful and inspiring! My favorite sewing tip is to always use a scant 1/4 inch seam when making quilt blocks. Remember you can always trim it down but its way to hard to undo! I learned the hard way! Thanks for the chance to win!
ReplyDeleteI'm loving this blog tour, I'm new to your site! My tip is to take your time and enjoy and have fun! I love to sew and am loving the quilting process. This is my first BOM and am learning so much and loving it. Beautiful block piece you made!
ReplyDeleteI just love your string block and the colors are awsome. Mine are almost complete and I hope they look as good as yours! I am loving learning new techniques with the BOM from Amy!
ReplyDeleteI am new to quilting and am doing the BOM on craftsy. I am so amazed at how easily I can make the blocks. my tip is to always read (or watch) all instructions befor eyou start.
ReplyDeleteI love string blocks! My recently learned sewing tip is to keep the door to the sewing room shut when the cats are in the house . . . no one wants hairballs sewn into their quilt.
ReplyDeleteHELLO! SEWING TIP> WHEN YOU CANNOT THREAD A NEEDLE,TURN THE NEEDLE AROUND AND THREAD FROM OPPOSITE SIDE. (NEEDLES ARE DRILLED FROM ONLY ONE SIDE LEAVING A SMOOTH AND ROUGHENED SIDE.)
ReplyDeleteTHANKS FOR SHARING!
I haven't tried this yet and I am a bit intimidated for sure. I've only been sewing a year and my favorite tip is to iron and watched your measurements when sewing. I've screwed up a quilt by not doing these too things. So now it's going much better!
ReplyDeleteyour block is gorgeous. My tip, there is always someone better than you and someone less knowledgeable so always be open to learning new things and sharing what you know. If you have helped twice as much as you have learned than you are in a good place and probably an awesome person..
ReplyDeleteI love your string block- just started on mine this morning- I watched the tutorial last night and had to cut my strips before I went to bed! My tip- I keep a little plastic container (about 2x3 in.) on my table by my cutting mat- that way I can fill it up with little bits and pieces as I cut and I don't have to stop and walk over to my waste basket by my machine. When it's full, I dump it- keeps my surface cleaner.
ReplyDeleteI love your strings and scraps block! It is beautiful. I am doing the BOM with Amy. Being fairly new to quilting, I don't have a lot of tips. One thing I have learned is when pressing, don't move the iron around like ironing as it can make your fabric become distorted.
ReplyDeleteLove your string block!! I like to have a few things cut out in advance so if I get the chance I can stitch them up! Thanks for the chance to win!
ReplyDeleteI too am registered for the Craftsy BOM class with Amy.
ReplyDeleteIt's surprising how such complicated looking blocks are actually quite easy!
I really don't have much of a sewing tip except measure twice, cut once.
After years of resisting trying plastic bobbins (they looked so cheap and flimsy compared to the traditional metal ones)I recently discovered that they actually work better than the metal ones for free motion quilting. They're lighter and create less tension when they spin really fast.
ReplyDeleteI love that block! I'm registered and sad to say, I haven't done much in the way of making these. But, I'm planning to do slowly. :-) I don't really have any tips other than to read, read, read and read some more until you're really familiar with and understand how to make the block(s). :-)
ReplyDeleteMy tip is always read the instructions before starting a project!
ReplyDeleteI have signed up for BOM on Craftsy, just haven't started yet. I LOVE your block.
ReplyDeleteSewing tip... replace your needle often. I used to sew with them until they broke and wondered why my stitching didn't look great, thread broke & machine sounded funny. Now, I keep an eye out for needle sales & stock up.
Fix your trouble spots as you go. It may seem like a hassle to pick out an inch of stitches and sew them again in order to have a triple quarter inch seam, but you'll be gla dyou did. It is so much more frustrating to ignore it, then wish you hadn't when your blocks are now rows and your trouble spot is right in the middle--fixing it then means unpicking far more than an inch of stitching. Do it now; you''ll be glad you did.
ReplyDeleteI am having so much fun with the Craftsy BOM!!! My mom and I get together every other Sunday to sew a block!!
ReplyDeleteI guess for me, when cutting I found I am closer to the right size of blocks when I line up the edge of the fabric just outside the measurement line. I used to line up the edge of the fabric so it was centered under the line I was cutting at. But my blocks were still too small. So, just the hair of a bit helped my blocks be the right size. I think I may need pictures to help explain this...
I love the string block, it's something I've wanted to try! Thanks for the chance at this giveaway!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chance to enter for the FQS giveaway on your blog. The string block is really Kool.
ReplyDeleteMy tip when making strings using paper as a foundation: Stitch with an extremely small stitch. After stitching a seam, fold the paper back on the seam and crease it well, then flip the paper back down. When remove the paper from the string block, it is like tearing at perforations and results in less of those irksome tidbits of paper at seams.
WOW! I love that string block - I'm going to try to put one together this weekend.
ReplyDeleteI like the tips for easy HSTs.
ReplyDeleteThe string block looks fantastic, especially in those fun bright colors. My tip is to always double check cutting measurements. Also make one block first before cutting the rest of the pieces just to make sure I understand the directions.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE your string block! I have decided that I just need better scraps! LOL I am just getting back into quilting after six years away--and before that I had only made one quilt top and a couple samplers--so I don't have many scraps! LOL
ReplyDeleteMy best sewing tip---TURN off the computer!!! Seriously, I could get so much more sewing accomplished if I didn't keep checking out blogs, pinterest etc. in search of ideas, inspiration and tutorials! LOL
I think your string block is heavenly! I've been collecting the Craftsystorm block patterns but need some pretty fat quarters to get going.
ReplyDeleteLike your block. Thanks for being part of this. I try to cut larger left over fabric into 2.5 inche strips and 4" squares....that way I have a pre cut stash for quick projects.
ReplyDeleteMy sewing tip is to use blue painters tape to mark quilting lines instead of using a marker pen. so easy!! By the way, I love your string block. I want to get mine done this week.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite sewing tip has always been "Press as you Sew" because your end product will look professional if you adhere to this mantra. Otherwise your end product may "look homemade." I have been using batik fabrics for the Craftsy BOM and some fabrics from my stash. I have three blocks done and am looking forward to doing the string blocks, they remind me of "quilt as you go" technique which is fast and easy. Thanks for hosting the contest on your website. I have enjoyed visiting so many creative websites and seeing so many inventive hosts. I have told people I meet that if you want to learn to sew/quilt/craft, anything you need is on the Web! Rosemary
ReplyDeletenellieduclos@yahoocom
I, too, am signed up for Amy's BOM. I guess my tip is to listen to accomplished quilters in your community. I have learned so much from them. I have also learned to change the rotary cutter blade often. So much fun checking out all the new blogs and websites.
ReplyDeleteMy tip is to change your needle often. Thanks for the giveaway. Your string block looks great.
ReplyDeleteMy tip is that in patchwork, a 1/4 inch seam allowance really means a SCANT 1/4 inch seam allowance.
ReplyDeleteMy favourite sewing tip? Measure TWICE, cut once. (I'm still so scared of cutting, I measure about four times. Lol.)
ReplyDeleteDouble check everything before you cut. Once you've cut there is no going back. susand1408 at googlemail dot com
ReplyDeleteMy favorite tip is to press my seams the opposite and line up the seams so they will perfectly match
ReplyDeleteLoving the blogs..thank you. One of my favorite tips is to measure twice; cut once.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite sewing tip is to press seams flat and then press them open. I've been told it makes the fabric pucker less. Also, I'm loving the BoM Craftsy course too! Weren't the foundation blocks so much fun?!
ReplyDeleteHi Elena! Love your string blocks! Hmm, favorite sewing tip?? Relax- its supposed to be fun!
ReplyDeleteYour string block came out really well.
ReplyDeleteMy tip is remember to permanently label and date all your quilts and other important projects. Some day your descendents might be very glad to have that information.
I am loving this tour...new blogs I didn't know about. :) My sewing tip is never get in a hurry.
ReplyDeleteHaving so much fun finding all these wonderful blogs on the tour! I'm with so many others, in that I always try to go slower and keep myself from rushing.
ReplyDeleteI just learned this sewing tip (the hard way): Always cover the hole under the needle on your sewing machine (I use a scrap of fabric or a post-it note) before changing the needle. Dropping a needle down there causes all kinds of grief.
ReplyDeleteThanks for hosting this giveaway.
Awesome string block.My favourite sewing tip is for making sure your 1/4 inch seams are truly 1/4 inch. Slide a ruler under the presser foot, and lower the needle until just on the 1/4" line. Use the lines of your foot plate to straighten the ruler horizontally and vertically. Saves a lot of tearing out & tearing up. LOL
ReplyDeleteSuch a fun tour! love the string block! thanks!
ReplyDeleteOoh! I've been having fun with the Craftsy BOM's too! I haven't gotten to the strip blocks yet but hopefully sometime this week. My best tip is to use a stiletto to keep your seams even when you get to places where seams have to match or even toward the end of a strip. It is the perfect 'extension' for your finger!
ReplyDeleteWhat a cheerful string block. I'm certainly enjoying this blog hop.
ReplyDeleteSewCalGal
www.sewcalgal.blogspot.com
I think my best tip would have to be... if something keeps going wrong, it's time to walk away for a moment. Have a cup of tea/coffee, work on another project for a while, sleep on it even and then come back to it.. a clear head works wonders!
ReplyDeletethanks for joining in the craftsy blog hop - I'm loving the blocks so far - my sewing tip relates to string blocks - make sure you are generous with overhangs on each strip and always cut the foundation paper bigger than needed for the block :)
ReplyDeleteThe best tip I ever got was to never pull the thread backward through the machine( when you're removing the spool for example). It messes up the tension on your machine.
ReplyDeleteLovely block!! I'd say that sew what you love!! Enjoy yourself & make something beautiful everyday. Being a mommy it's just bits & pieces sometime, but it helps keep me sane!:)
ReplyDeleteYour block is wonderful!! I've never done a strip block but would love to!!! I've enjoyed the blog tour and would love to win.
ReplyDeleteHere's something I've learned: Don't try something new or intricate when you're tired - tends to lead to frustration.
ReplyDeleteAlso, don't watch the video and then make the blocks days later without review...
ReplyDeleteAlways use high quality cottons in your quilt. It's not worth the savings to go with cheap fabric!
ReplyDeleteI love saving my selveges I cut off and use them in scrappy projects. Great block, I love string blocks!!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite sewing tip is just common sense. Do not sew something incredibly complicated when you are tired - or you will be spending lots of time ripping out stitches!
ReplyDeleteYour block is very pretty. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteTracy
tracy@nwctv.com
Can't believe how beautiful you made that block out of what seemed like nothing!
ReplyDeleteWow! Your block is awesome! My tip is if everything is going wrong, just walk away and take a break or try a different project for the time being. Some days just aren't good for sewing... Thanks for a chance to win! :)
ReplyDelete